🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
DMSP Block 4A F-4
Retired 1968DMSP Block 4A F-4 (NORAD 2980, COSPAR 1967-096A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 27 Mar 1968, launched on 11 Oct 1967 on the DAPP 4417 mission. It was operated by SAMSO as part of the DAPP 4A programme. The spacecraft was built by RCA on the DMSP Block 4A bus, with a mass of 79 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1967
launched
1968
retired
59
years on orbit
79
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched11 Oct 1967 · on the DAPP 4417 mission
Operational27 Mar 1968 · entered service
Retired27 Mar 1968 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID2980
COSPAR1967-096A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSAMSO
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerRCA
BusDMSP Block 4A
Mass79 kg
ProgrammeDAPP 4A
CategoryMET
OrbitLEO (LEO/S)
Altitude668 × 859 km
Inclination99.2°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DMSP Block 4A F-4?
DMSP Block 4A F-4 was retired from service around 27 Mar 1968 after launching in 1967. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built DMSP Block 4A F-4?
DMSP Block 4A F-4 was operated by SAMSO and built by RCA (US).
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.